The Devils took care of some big business before the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday.
The team locked up winger Timo Meier with an eight-year deal worth a reported $8.8 million per season — $70.4 million in total.
Meier, who was dealt to New Jersey by San Jose in February ahead of the trade deadline, was poised to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
“We were excited to acquire Timo at the deadline, but it’s an even greater feeling knowing that he’ll be here for the next eight seasons,” said New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald. “Timo’s unique blend of style of play, goal-scoring ability, and physical presence will prove valuable for us. In talking with him, Timo realized, and I always believed, that this is the right place for him as a player and a person.
“We’ve locked up another piece of our young core that is looking to take that next step together for greater success.”
The Swiss scorer, 26, notched nine goals and five assists in 21 games with the Devils, finishing the regular season with 40 goals and 66 points in 78 games.
He also added two goals and two assists in 11 playoff games.
A three-time 30-goal scorer in seven NHL seasons, Meier adds punch to an up-and-coming Devils team that finished second in the Metropolitan Division with a franchise record 112 points.
It was the latest in a flurry of recent moves for the Devils, who acquired Tyler Toffoli from the Flames on Tuesday, sending Yegor Sharangovich and a second-round pick to Calgary.
The team also dealt goalie Mackenzie Blackwood to the Sharks on Tuesday.
Earlier in June, the Devils traded defenseman Damon Severson, the longest-tenured member of the squad, to the Blue Jackets and inked 24-year-old forward Jesper Bratt to an eight-year extension.
Winger Erik Haula was also brought back on a three-year deal last week.
